Separated Toe Sock and Method for Producing a Separated Toe Sock

ABSTRACT

A protective, separated-toe garment comprises a first, big-toe element, a second, pinky-toe element, and a third foot-pad element. The big-toe element comprises a front first edge disposed substantially perpendicular to opposing side edges, first and second curved edges from respective side edges in a curve to meet at a first point opposite the front first edge. The pinky-toe element comprises a front fifth edge substantially perpendicular to opposing third and fourth side edges, third and fourth curved edges tapering from the side edges in a curve to meet at a second point opposite the front fifth edge. The third foot pad element comprises a front ninth edge defining an oblique curve such that ends of the front ninth edge develop and merge into sixth and seventh side edges, respectively, at opposite sides at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at a respective side of an eighth rear edge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, ofcopending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/403,443 titled“Separated Toe Sock” and filed on Oct. 3, 2016, the prior application isherewith incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present systems, apparatuses, and methods lie in the field ofclothing, more specifically in the field of protective garments, andeven more specifically in the field of protective garments for the feet.The present disclosure relates to a separated toe sock that is aprotective toe garment for use with most shoe types and a method forproducing a protective toe garment. The disclosed separated toe sock isused primarily with closed toe and open toe shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A separated toe sock has the primary purpose of providing protection tothe skin around the toes and the first metatarsophalangeal joint of thefoot. This protection helps the user avoid abrasions, blisters, or otherfoot problems that may develop due to frictional rubbing against theinside of a shoe when walking, running, jogging, dancing, or any otheractivity or movement performed on the feet.

A separated toe sock is considered a formfitting protective toe garmentcomprising, generally, a protective sheath that only envelops either allor some toes of the foot and adds comfort to the ball of the foot.

Unsuccessful attempts have been made at creating separated toe socksthat provide the necessary protection while also maintaining manynecessary abilities. These products typically lack coverage on theindividual toes, leaving them exposed to frictional rubbing inside ofthe shoe. This produces abrasions blisters, and other foot problems.

Additionally, other separated toe socks are not secure in place on thefoot, and with constant movement the product shifts position on the footinside the shoe.

Furthermore, many separated toe socks are not designed correctly forsome shoes, which often exposes the fabric slightly out of the shoe.

Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art systems,designs, and processes as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The systems, apparatuses, and methods described provide a separated toesock that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of theheretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and thatprovide such features with a formfitting protective toe garment thatsurrounds only each individual toe, leaving the rest of the foot exposedand with support to the ball of the foot.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, a sockthat provides protection for the skin on the toes and the firstmetatarsophalangeal joint, while adding comfort to the ball of the foot.The systems, apparatuses, and methods focus on the toes by creating toesleeves made of a breathable and flexible material that may be mixedwith other fibers. These toe sleeves wrap around individual toes andcover over the first metatarsophalangeal joint, while also focusing onthe ball of the foot by adding a shock absorbing material made of eitheror any combination of, for example, foam, batting, memory foam, gel,silicone gel, and/or other shock-absorbing material(s) to add comfort tothe foot. The ball of the foot pad connects with the toe sleeves, whereboth act as a stabilizer for each other, which prevents slippage withina shoe.

In one exemplary embodiment, an article of clothing is worn on the footas a toe garment that is capable of protecting the skin on the firstdigit (big toe) and fifth digit (pinky toe) of the foot and the skin onthe first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot and the protectionprevents development of abrasions, blisters, and/or other foot problems.These problems may be caused by frictional rubbing on a toe, or toes,and/or the skin on the first metatarsophalangeal joint against theinside of a shoe due to movement of a foot.

In another exemplary embodiment, an article of clothing is worn on thefoot as a toe garment capable of protecting all five digits (toes) ofthe foot and the skin on the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the footand the protection prevents development of abrasions, blisters, and/orother foot problems. These problems may be caused by frictional rubbingon a toe, or toes, and/or the skin on the first metatarsophalangealjoint against the inside of a shoe due to movement of a foot.

In many or all of the exemplary embodiments, there is provided at theseparated toe sock a support cushion for the ball of the foot. Non-slipgrips made of either or combination of, for example, silicone, rubber,and/or other material are added to key places on the separated toe sockto add further stability to the object of the present invention. Thisallows the sock to not slip out of place, which keeps all partscomfortably inside the shoe and prevents the toe garment from showingoutside of the shoe. The separated toe sock can be made in assortedcolors to coordinate with different shoe colors. The separated toe sockis made in various sizes to fit comfortably for each individual wearerwith various foot sizes. The separated toe sock provides comfort andprotection of the skin of the toe, or toes, and/or skin on the firstmetatarsophalangeal joint against the rubbing and frictional movementinside most to all shoe types. The separated toe sock exists as anarticle of clothing worn on the foot as a toe garment that is durable,reusable, and washable. The separated toe sock is worn on the foot as atoe garment that is unobtrusive to the user, but also can be of anycolor, which allows the user to coordinate the separated toe sock withvarious shoe colors.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, aprotective, separated-toe garment comprising a first, big-toe element, asecond, pinky-toe element, and a third foot pad element. The first,big-toe element is of a flexible and breathable material and comprisesopposing first and second side edges, a front first edge disposedsubstantially perpendicular to the first and second side edges, a firstcurved edge tapering from the first side edge in a curve to meet at afirst point opposite the front first edge, and a second curved edgetapering from the second side edge in a curve to meet at the first pointopposite the front first edge. When the opposing first and second sideedges are connected together, the first, big-toe element forms a sleevesized to fit around a big toe of a foot. The second, pinky-toe elementis of a flexible and breathable material and comprises opposing thirdand fourth side edges, a front fifth edge disposed substantiallyperpendicular to third and fourth side edges, a third curved edgetapering from the third side edge in a curve to meet at a second pointopposite the front fifth edge, and a fourth curved edge tapering fromthe fourth side edges in a curve to meet at the second point oppositethe front fifth edge. When the opposing third and fourth side edges areconnected together, the second, pinky-toe element forms a sleeve sizedto fit around a pinky toe of the foot. The third foot pad element isshaped as a foot pad, is of a material protecting a ball of the footwhen worn, and comprises opposing sixth and seventh side edges, a eighthrear edge, and a front ninth edge defining an oblique curve such thatends of the front ninth edge develop and merge into the sixth andseventh side edges, respectively, at opposite sides of the third footpad element at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at arespective side of the eighth rear edge. The second curved edge isjoined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge and thefourth curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at theseventh side edge to form a protective toe sock.

With the objects in view, there is also provided a protective,separated-toe garment comprising a first, big-toe element, a second toeelement, and a third foot pad. The first, big-toe element is of aflexible and breathable material comprising opposing first and secondside edges, a front first edge disposed substantially perpendicular tothe first and second side edges, a first curved edge tapering from thefirst side edge in a curve to meet at a first point opposite the frontfirst edge, and a second curved edge tapering from the second side edgein a curve to meet at the first point opposite the front first edge.When the opposing first and second side edges are connected together,the first, big-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a big toeof a foot. The second toe element is of a flexible and breathablematerial comprising opposing third and fourth side edges, a front fifthedge disposed substantially perpendicular to third and fourth sideedges, a third curved edge tapering from the third side edge in a curveto meet at a second point opposite the front fifth edge, and a fourthcurved edge tapering from the fourth side edges in a curve to meet atthe second point opposite the front fifth edge. When the opposing thirdand fourth side edges are connected together, the second toe elementforms a sleeve sized to fit around a toe of the foot other than the bigtoe. The third foot pad element is shaped as a foot pad, is of amaterial protecting a ball of the foot when worn, and comprises opposingsixth and seventh side edges, a eighth rear edge, and a front ninth edgedefining an oblique curve such that ends of the front ninth edge developand merge into the sixth and seventh side edges, respectively, atopposite sides of the third foot pad element at an oblique angle andcurve rearwards to end at a respective side of the eighth rear edge. Thesecond curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the sixthside edge and the fourth curved edge is joined to the third foot padelement at the seventh side edge to form a protective toe sock.

In accordance with another feature, the first, big-toe element is of anon-slip material to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on thebig toe while worn inside of a shoe.

In accordance with a further feature, the first, big-toe element has anon-slip material applied to the front first edge and the first curvededge to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the big toe whileworn inside of a shoe.

In accordance with an added feature, the second, pinky-toe element is ofa non-slip material to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place onthe pinky toe while worn inside of a shoe.

In accordance with an additional feature, the second, pinky-toe elementhas a non-slip material applied to the front fifth edge and the thirdcurved edge to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the pinkytoe while worn inside of a shoe.

In accordance with yet another feature, the sixth and seventh side edgesmeet at the eighth rear edge in a obtuse-angled manner with respect tothe eighth rear edge.

In accordance with yet a further feature, the first and second sideedges are joined by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

In accordance with yet an added feature, the third and fourth side edgesare joined by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

In accordance with yet an additional feature, the second curved edge isjoined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge by at leastone of stitching and an adhesive.

In accordance with again another feature, the fourth curved edge isjoined to the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge by atleast one of stitching and an adhesive.

In accordance with again a further feature, the protective toe sockfurther comprises a mirror-image pair of protective toe socks one foreach of left and right feet.

In accordance with again an added feature, the third foot pad elementhas non-slip grips at bottom to prevent the third foot pad element frommoving inside of a shoe.

In accordance with again an additional feature, there is provided afourth, middle-toe element of a flexible/breathable material comprisingopposing tenth and eleventh side edges, a front twelfth edge disposedsubstantially perpendicular to the tenth and eleventh side edges andhaving a given length, a rear thirteenth edge substantially parallel tothe front twelfth edge, having ends, and being shorter than the givenlength, opposing fourteenth and fifteenth edges tapering from arespective one of the opposing tenth and eleventh side edges to meet arespective end of the rear thirteenth edge, and, wherein, when theopposing tenth and eleventh side edges are connected together and therear thirteenth edge is joined to the third foot pad element at thefront ninth edge, the fourth, middle-toe element forms a sleeve sized tofit around a middle toe of the foot.

In accordance with still another feature, the fourteenth and fifteenthedges taper in a curved manner from the respective one of the opposingtenth and eleventh side edges to the respective end of the rearthirteenth edge.

In accordance with still a further feature, there are provided three ofthe fourth, middle-toe elements to form three sleeves each sized to fitaround one of the three middle toes of the foot.

In accordance with still an added feature, the material is of at leastone of neoprene, silicone, rubber, foam, batting, memory foam, gel, orsilicone gel.

In accordance with still another feature, the sleeve of at least one ofthe first, big-toe element and the second, pinky-toe element extends toa distal end of the respective toe therein and has a closure closing offat least a portion of an opening formed at the distal end of the sleeve.

In accordance with a concomitant feature, the material has a basematerial of at least one of cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk,polyamide.

Although the systems, apparatuses, and methods are illustrated anddescribed herein as embodied in a separated toe sock, it is,nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown becausevarious modifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omittedso as not to obscure the relevant details of the systems, apparatuses,and methods.

Additional advantages and other features characteristic of the systems,apparatuses, and methods will be set forth in the detailed descriptionthat follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may belearned by practice of exemplary embodiments. Still other advantages ofthe systems, apparatuses, and methods may be realized by any of theinstrumentalities, methods, or combinations particularly pointed out inthe claims.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the systems,apparatuses, and methods are set forth in the appended claims. Asrequired, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methodsare disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, andmethods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide anunderstandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.While the specification concludes with claims defining the systems,apparatuses, and methods of the invention that are regarded as novel, itis believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the following description inconjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsare carried forward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, which are not true to scale, and which, together with thedetailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of thespecification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and toexplain various principles and advantages all in accordance with thesystems, apparatuses, and methods. Advantages of embodiments of thesystems, apparatuses, and methods will be apparent from the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, whichdescription should be considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa protective, separated-toe garment with protective sleeves over thefirst digit and fifth digit of a right foot of a user;

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary, perspective view of the protectiveseparated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment ofFIG. 1 with a foot pad on a ball of the foot;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of pattern construction elements of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the protective separated-toe garment ofFIG. 1 with protective sleeves for the first and fifth digits of thefoot;

FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above a right front corner of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of a right and left pair of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa protective separated-toe garment with protective sleeves over all fivedigits of a right foot of a user;

FIG. 8A is a fragmentary, perspective view of the protectiveseparated-toe garment of FIG. 7 from a right side of the right foot;

FIG. 8B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment ofFIG. 7 with a foot pad on a ball of the foot;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of pattern construction elements of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a protectiveseparated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garmentof FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above a front right corner of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of a right and left pair of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa protective, separated-toe garment with complete protective sleevesover the first digit and fifth digit of a right foot of a user;

FIG. 14A is a fragmentary, perspective view of the protectiveseparated-toe garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garmentof FIG. 13 with a foot pad on a ball of the foot;

FIG. 15A is a top plan view of the protective separated-toe garment ofFIG. 13 with complete protective sleeves for the first and fifth digitsof the foot;

FIG. 15B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garmentof FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view from above a right front corner of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of a right and left pair of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa protective separated-toe garment with complete protective sleeves overall five digits of a right foot of a user;

FIG. 19A is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a protectiveseparated-toe garment of FIG. 18;

FIG. 19B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garmentof FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view from above a front right corner of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of a right and left pair of theprotective separated-toe garment of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, andmethods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that thedisclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses,and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide anunderstandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe systems, apparatuses, and methods that are regarded as novel, it isbelieved that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the following description inconjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsare carried forward.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shownby way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore,the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limitingsense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will notbe described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure therelevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.

Before the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed anddescribed, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or anyother variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion,such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a listof elements does not include only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” doesnot, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additionalidentical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises the element. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms “a”or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term“plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. Theterm “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more.The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” whichmay each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.

The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, maybe used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended assynonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected”may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physicalor electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two ormore elements are in direct physical or electrical contact (e.g.,directly coupled). However, “coupled” may also mean that two or moreelements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet stillcooperate or interact with each other (e.g., indirectly coupled).

For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or inthe form “A and/or B” or in the form “at least one of A and B” means(A), (B), or (A and B), where A and B are variables indicating aparticular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended toand is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B, which issimilar to the phrase “and/or”. Where more than two variables arepresent in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as includingonly one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination ofany of the variables, and all of the variables, for example, a phrase inthe form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B),(A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the likemay be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from anotherentity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actualsuch relationship or order between such entities or actions. Thedescription may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down,back/front, top/bottom, and proximal/distal. Such descriptions aremerely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended torestrict the application of disclosed embodiments. Various operationsmay be described as multiple discrete operations in tum, in a mannerthat may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order ofdescription should not be construed to imply that these operations areorder dependent.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. As used herein, theterms “substantial” and “substantially” means, when comparing variousparts to one another, that the parts being compared are equal to or areso close enough in dimension that one skill in the art would considerthe same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, are not limitedto a single dimension and specifically include a range of values forthose parts being compared. The range of values, both above and below(e.g., “+/−” or greater/lesser or larger/smaller), includes a variancethat one skilled in the art would know to be a reasonable tolerance forthe parts mentioned.

Herein various embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods aredescribed. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar.Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similarfeatures may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood,however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to thelater described similar feature and each respective description,therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

Described now are exemplary embodiments. Referring now to the figures ofthe drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B,there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a protective separated-toegarment 10. This embodiment comprises of flexible/breathable sleeves110, 510 that fit comfortably over the first 100 and fifth 500 digits ofa foot, each sleeve 110, 510 having an inward portion or edge, a top610, and a bottom 600. The sleeves 110, 510 are made from a non-slipmaterial or are surrounded by a non-slip material or have a non-slipmaterial applied to the top 610 and bottom 600 to prevent the sleeves110, 510 from moving out of place while worn inside a shoe. Exemplaryembodiments of the non-slip material include, but are not limited to,neoprene, silicone, rubber, or an anti-slip coating. In an embodimentwhere the non-slip material is attached to a base material, the basematerial can be of any suitable breathable/flexible material such as,but not limited to, cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide,or a moisture-wicking material. It is also understood that any of thesematerials may be mixed with other fibers or materials such as, but notlimited to, spandex, elastane, or copper.

The sleeves 110 and 510 attach to or are integral with a foot pad 620.The foot pad 620, located below the ball of a user's foot when worn, isof a protective material sufficient to protect the ball of the foot whenworn inside a shoe. Exemplary embodiments of the foot pad 620 include,but are not limited to, foam, batting, memory foam, gel, or silicone gelthat is covered by any suitable breathable/flexible material such ascotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide, or a moisture-wickingmaterial and has at least one non-slip grip 630 on the bottom to reduceor prevent the foot pad 620 from sliding when worn inside of the shoe(not illustrated). Exemplary embodiments of the non-slip material forthe foot pad 620 include, but are not limited to, neoprene, silicone,rubber, or an anti-slip coating. In an embodiment where the non-slipmaterial is attached to a base material, the base material can be of anysuitable breathable/flexible material such as, but not limited to,cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide, or a moisture-wickingmaterial. It is also understood that any of these materials may be mixedwith other fibers or materials such as spandex, elastane, or copper.

FIG. 3 shows the construction elements of the first exemplary embodimentof the protective separated-toe garment 10 described in FIGS. 1, 2A, and2B. As shown in FIG. 3, the protective separated-toe garment 10 isconstructed of three elements. The first element (sleeve 110) is of aflexible/breathable material have a first edge 700 disposedsubstantially perpendicular to side edges 710 and 711. Two curved edges720, 721 taper from side edges 710, 711, respectively, in a curve tomeet at a point opposite first edge 700. The first element is intendedand sized to fit around a first or big toe. The first element may be ofa non-slip material or have a non-slip material applied to the edges700, 720 to prevent sleeve 110 from moving out of place while worninside of a shoe.

FIG. 3 also shows the second element (sleeve 510) of the constructionelements. Second element 510 also is of a flexible/breathable materialhaving a first edge 730 disposed substantially perpendicular to sideedges 740, 741 thereof. Two curved edges 750, 751 taper from side edges740, 741 in a curve to meet as a point opposite first edge 730. Thesecond element 510 is slightly smaller than first element 110, as it isintended and sized to fit around a fifth or pinky toe. The secondelement 510 may be a non-slip material or have a non-slip materialapplied to the edges 730, 750 to prevent sleeve 510 from moving out ofplace while worn inside of a shoe.

FIG. 3 also shows a third element (foot pad 620) of the constructionelements of the protective separated-toe garment 10. The third elementis shaped as a foot pad capable of protecting the ball of the foot andhas a first edge 760 defining an oblique curve such that the ends of thefirst edge 760 develop and merge into the side edges 770, 771,respectively at opposite sides of the foot pad 620 at an oblique angleand curve rearwards to end at a second rear edge 780. The side edges770, 771 meet at the second rear edge 780 in a large-angled manner tosecond rear edge 780, meaning here that the angle formed by these twolines meeting are ninety degrees or more (i.e., a substantially obtuseangle).

In various exemplary embodiments, the third element 620 may beconstructed of any suitable material, including foam, batting, memoryfoam, gel, or silicone gel covered with any suitable breathable/flexiblematerial. The third element 620 may have non-slip grips 630 made of anycombination, or be a single, integral element of silicone, rubber, oranti-slip coating applied to the bottom of the pad to add stability fromsliding while worn in a shoe. The non-slip grips 630 can be applied invarious patterns, for example, in lines, dots, zig zags, or other wavyor curved patterns or can cover the bottom of the foot pad.

To construct the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B using theconstruction elements of FIG. 3, the sides 710 and 711 of the firstelement 110 are joined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive,along their edges, leaving an opening that is capable of accommodatingthe insertion of the first digit (big toe) 100 of the foot. The edge 721is joined to third element 620 along side 770, for example, by stitchingor with an adhesive. The sides 740 and 741 of second element 510 arejoined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive, along theiredges, leaving an opening capable of accommodating the insertion of thefifth digit (pinky toe) 500 of the foot. The edge 751 is joined to thethird element 620 along side 771, for example, by stitching or with anadhesive. With reference to FIG. 3, it is noted that the construction ofthese elements may be performed in a different sequence than described.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show plan views of the constructed protectiveseparated-toe garment 10 made from elements shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5offers a perspective view at an angle from the top of the constructedtoe garment made from the elements shown in FIG. 3. Finally, when amirror-image pair of the protective separated-toe garment 10 is made, asshown in FIG. 6, the two protective separated-toe garments 10 provideone garment for each of the left and right feet. In the view of FIG. 6,the holes for which the toes 100 and 500 can fit through can be seenclearly.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B, there is shown another exemplaryembodiment of a protective separated-toe garment 10 worn on a right footof a user. As seen in FIG. 7, this embodiment of the protectiveseparated-toe garment 10 comprises flexible/breathable sleeves, 110,210, and 510, that fit comfortably over each of the five digits of thefoot—100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. Additionally, in this exemplaryembodiment, there exists a non-slip material 600 surrounding sleeves110, 210, and 510 at the top, and a non-slip material 610 surroundingsleeves 110 and 510 at the bottom, in which both materials 600 and 610are to prevent the sleeves 110, 210, and 510 from moving out of placewhile worn inside a shoe. In an alternative embodiment, the non-slipmaterial can be the material of the sleeves 110, 210, and 510 instead ofbeing attached thereto.

The ball of the foot pad 620 is constructed of a protective materialsufficient to protect the ball of the foot when worn, and has non-slipgrips 630 on its bottom to prevent the ball of the foot pad 620 frommoving inside of a shoe.

FIG. 9 shows the construction elements of the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B. As shown in FIG. 9, the embodiment has fourdifferent elements. The first element (sleeve 110) is of aflexible/breathable material having a first edge 700 disposedsubstantially perpendicular to side edges 710 and 711. Two curved edges720 and 721 taper from side edges 710, 711, respectively, in a curve tomeet at a point opposite first edge 700. The first element 110 isintended and sized to fit around a first or big toe. The first element110 may be of a non-slip material or have a non-slip material applied tothe edges 700, 720 to prevent sleeve 110 from moving out of place whileworn inside a shoe.

FIG. 9 also shows the second element (sleeve 510) of the constructionelements. The second element 510 also is of a flexible/breathablematerial having a first edge 730 disposed substantially perpendicular toside edges 740, 741 thereof. Two curved edges 750, 751 taper from sideedges 740, 741 in a curve to meet at a point opposite first edge 730.The second element 510 is slightly smaller than first element 110, as itis intended and sized to fit around a fifth or pinky toe. The secondelement 510 may be a non-slip material or have a non-slip materialapplied to the edges 730, 750 to prevent sleeve 510 from moving out ofplace while worn inside of a shoe.

FIG. 9 also shows the third element (foot pad 620) of the constructionelements of the protective separated-toe garment 10. The third element620 is shaped as a foot pad capable of protecting the ball of the footand has a first edge 760 defining an oblique curve such that the ends ofthe first edge 760 develop and merge into the side edges 770, 771,respectively, at opposite sides of the foot pad 620 at an oblique angleand curve rearwards to end at the second rear edge 780. The side edges770, 771 meet at the second rear edge 780 in a large-angled manner tosecond rear edge 780, meaning here that the angle formed by these twolines meeting are ninety degrees or more (i.e., a substantially obtuseangle).

In various exemplary embodiments, the third element 620 may beconstructed of any suitable material, including foam, batting, memoryfoam, gel, or silicone gel covered with any suitable breathable/flexiblematerial. The third element 620 may have non-slip grips 630 made of anycombination, or be a single, integral element of silicone, rubber, orother materials applied to the bottom of the pad to add stability fromsliding while worn in a shoe. The non-slip grips 630 can be applied invarious patterns, for example, in lines, dots, zig zags, other wavy orcurved patterns, or cover the bottom of the foot pad.

FIG. 9 also shows the fourth element (toe sleeve 210) of theconstruction elements. The fourth element 210 is also of aflexible/breathable material having a first edge 790 disposedsubstantially perpendicular to the side edges 800, 801 thereof. Twoedges 810, 811 taper off at an angle from the side edges 800, 801substantially in a curved manner such that the ends of side edges 800,801 develop and merge into the two edges 810, 811 and then merge intothe second edge 820 that is substantially parallel to the first edge790. The fourth element 210 may be a non-slip material or have anon-slip material applied thereto to prevent the fourth element 210 frommoving out of place while worn inside of a shoe.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first element 110, the fourthelement 210, and the second element 510 may be constructed of anysuitable breathable/flexible material such as, but not limited to,cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide, or a moisture-wickingmaterial. It is also understood that any of these materials may be mixedwith other fibers or materials such as, but not limited to, spandex,elastane, or copper.

To construct the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8Busing construction elements of FIG. 9, the sides 710, 711 of firstelement 110 are joined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive,along their edges, leaving an opening capable of accommodating theinsertion of the first digit (big toe) 100 of the foot. The edge 721 isjoined to third element 620 along side 770, for example, by stitching orwith an adhesive. The sides 800 and 801 of the fourth element 210 arejoined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive, along theiredges, leaving an opening capable of accommodating the insertion of thesecond 200, third 300, or fourth 400 digits (toes) of the foot. The edge820 is joined to the third element 620 along side 760, for example, bystitching or with an adhesive. If all five toes are to be separatelycovered, this fourth element 210 is repeated twice more so that thereare up to three of the fourth elements 210 in total, one for each of thethree central toes. FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B each show a total of five toeholes but, if desired, the number of toe holes can be reduced by takingaway any of the elements 110, 210, 510. The sides 740, 741 of the secondelement 510 are joined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive,along their edges, leaving an opening capable of accommodating theinsertion of the fifth digit (toe) 500 of the foot. The edge 751 isjoined to third element 620 along side 771, for example, by stitching orwith an adhesive. With reference to FIG. 9, it is noted that theconstruction of these elements may be performed in any sequencedifferent than described.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show plan views of the constructed protectiveseparated-toe garment 10 made from elements shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11offers a perspective view at an angle from the top of the protectiveseparated-toe garment 10 made from the elements shown in FIG. 9.Finally, when a mirror-image pair of the protective separated-toegarment 10 is made, as shown in FIG. 12, the two protectiveseparated-toe garments 10 provide one garment for each of the left andright feet. In the view of FIG. 12, the holes for which the toes 100,200, 300, 400, and 500 can fit through can be seen clearly.

It is noted that various embodiments described herein refer to a sleevethat is, for example, tubular with an open distal end so that the toewithin the sleeve is able to be seen from the distal side of the toe.Each of these sleeves can be formed, in alternative embodiments, toextend to the distal end of any respective toe and, if desired, a littlefurther and provided with a closure that closes off at least a part orseals of the entirety of the distal opening so that the respective toewithin the closed-end sleeve cannot be seen when viewed from the distalend of the sleeve. Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIGS. 13 to21. Regarding the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 the sleeves of FIG. 1 areextended to cover the toes in FIG. 13, the sleeves of FIGS. 2A and 2Bare extended to cover the toes in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the sleeves ofFIGS. 4A and 4B are extended to cover the toes in FIGS. 15A and 15B, thesleeves of FIG. 5 are extended to cover the toes in FIGS. 16, and thesleeves of FIG. 6 are extended to cover the toes in FIG. 17. Regardingthe embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 12 the sleeves of FIG. 7 are extended tocover the toes in FIG. 18, the sleeves of FIGS. 10A and 10B are extendedto cover the toes in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the sleeves of FIG. 11 areextended to cover the toes in FIG. 20, and the sleeves of FIG. 12 areextended to cover the toes in FIG. 21. The descriptions of each of thesevariations are identical with the exception of extending the sleeves tocover the distal ends of the respectively enclosed toes. Therefore, thedescription is not repeated herein but is incorporate by reference foreach of the corresponding figures. Further, these figures show that thedistal ends of the respective toes are completely covered. The coveringcan be partial and, therefore, have breathing openings at a portion ofthe ends so that only some of the ends of the toes are covered, such as,for example, with a strip that extends along a middle of a toe from thetop of the sleeve to the bottom of the sleeve around the distal end ofthe toe to bifurcate the toe when viewed from the distal end.

It is noted that various individual features of the inventive processesand systems may be described only in one exemplary embodiment herein.The particular choice for description herein with regard to a singleexemplary embodiment is not to be taken as a limitation that theparticular feature is only applicable to the embodiment in which it isdescribed. All features described herein are equally applicable to,additive, or interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplaryembodiments described herein and in any combination or grouping orarrangement. In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein toillustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean thatthe feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature inanother drawing figure or description. Further, where two or morereference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings, thisshould not be construed as being limited to only those embodiments orfeatures, they are equally applicable to similar features or not areference numeral is used or another reference numeral is omitted.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate theprinciples, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of thesystems, apparatuses, and methods. However, the systems, apparatuses,and methods should not be construed as being limited to the particularembodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodimentsdiscussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and theabove-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variationsto those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the systems, apparatuses, and methods asdefined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective, separated-toe garment, comprising:a first, big-toe element of a flexible and breathable materialcomprising: opposing first and second side edges; a front first edgedisposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second side edges;a first curved edge tapering from the first side edge in a curve to meetat a first point opposite the front first edge; a second curved edgetapering from the second side edge in a curve to meet at the first pointopposite the front first edge; wherein, when the opposing first andsecond side edges are connected together, the first, big-toe elementforms a sleeve sized to fit around a big toe of a foot; a second,pinky-toe element of a flexible and breathable material comprising:opposing third and fourth side edges; a front fifth edge disposedsubstantially perpendicular to third and fourth side edges; a thirdcurved edge tapering from the third side edge in a curve to meet at asecond point opposite the front fifth edge; a fourth curved edgetapering from the fourth side edges in a curve to meet at the secondpoint opposite the front fifth edge; wherein, when the opposing thirdand fourth side edges are connected together, the second, pinky-toeelement forms a sleeve sized to fit around a pinky toe of the foot; athird foot pad element shaped as a foot pad and of a material protectinga ball of the foot when worn and comprising: opposing sixth and seventhside edges; a eighth rear edge; a front ninth edge defining an obliquecurve such that ends of the front ninth edge develop and merge into thesixth and seventh side edges, respectively, at opposite sides of thethird foot pad element at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end ata respective side of the eighth rear edge; and the second curved edge isjoined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge and thefourth curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at theseventh side edge to form a protective toe sock.
 2. The garmentaccording to claim 1, wherein the first, big-toe element is of anon-slip material to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on thebig toe while worn inside of a shoe.
 3. The garment according to claim1, wherein the first, big-toe element has a non-slip material applied tothe front first edge and the first curved edge to prevent the sleevefrom moving out of place on the big toe while worn inside of a shoe. 4.The garment according to claim 1, wherein the second, pinky-toe elementis of a non-slip material to prevent the sleeve from moving out of placeon the pinky toe while worn inside of a shoe.
 5. The garment accordingto claim 1, wherein the second, pinky-toe element has a non-slipmaterial applied to the front fifth edge and the third curved edge toprevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the pinky toe while worninside of a shoe.
 6. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the sixthand seventh side edges meet at the eighth rear edge in a obtuse-angledmanner with respect to the eighth rear edge.
 7. The garment according toclaim 1, wherein the first and second side edges are joined by at leastone of stitching and an adhesive.
 8. The garment according to claim 1,wherein the third and fourth side edges are joined by at least one ofstitching and an adhesive.
 9. The garment according to claim 1, whereinthe second curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at thesixth side edge by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.
 10. Thegarment according to claim 1, wherein the fourth curved edge is joinedto the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge by at least oneof stitching and an adhesive.
 11. The garment according to claim 1,wherein the protective toe sock further comprises a mirror-image pair ofprotective toe socks one for each of left and right feet.
 12. Thegarment according to claim 1, wherein the third foot pad element hasnon-slip grips at bottom to prevent the third foot pad element frommoving inside of a shoe.
 13. The garment according to claim 1, furthercomprising a fourth, middle-toe element of a flexible/breathablematerial comprising: opposing tenth and eleventh side edges; a fronttwelfth edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the tenth andeleventh side edges and having a given length; a rear thirteenth edgesubstantially parallel to the front twelfth edge, having ends, and beingshorter than the given length; opposing fourteenth and fifteenth edgestapering from a respective one of the opposing tenth and eleventh sideedges to meet a respective end of the rear thirteenth edge; and wherein,when the opposing tenth and eleventh side edges are connected togetherand the rear thirteenth edge is joined to the third foot pad element atthe front ninth edge, the fourth, middle-toe element forms a sleevesized to fit around a middle toe of the foot.
 14. The garment accordingto claim 13, wherein the fourteenth and fifteenth edges taper in acurved manner from the respective one of the opposing tenth and eleventhside edges to the respective end of the rear thirteenth edge.
 15. Thegarment according to claim 13, further comprising three of the fourth,middle-toe elements to form three sleeves each sized to fit around oneof the three middle toes of the foot.
 16. The garment according to claim1, wherein the material is of at least one of neoprene, silicone,rubber, foam, batting, memory foam, gel, or silicone gel.
 17. Thegarment according to claim 1, wherein the material has a base materialof at least one of cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide.18. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve of at least oneof the first, big-toe element and the second, pinky-toe element extendsto a distal end of the respective toe therein and has a closure closingoff at least a portion of an opening formed at the distal end of thesleeve.
 19. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve of atleast one of the first, big-toe element and the second, pinky-toeelement extends to a distal end of the respective toe therein and hascloses off the distal end of the sleeve to completely encase the toetherein.
 20. A protective, separated-toe garment, comprising: a first,big-toe element of a flexible and breathable material comprising:opposing first and second side edges; a front first edge disposedsubstantially perpendicular to the first and second side edges; a firstcurved edge tapering from the first side edge in a curve to meet at afirst point opposite the front first edge; a second curved edge taperingfrom the second side edge in a curve to meet at the first point oppositethe front first edge; wherein, when the opposing first and second sideedges are connected together, the first, big-toe element forms a sleevesized to fit around a big toe of a foot; a second toe element of aflexible and breathable material comprising: opposing third and fourthside edges; a front fifth edge disposed substantially perpendicular tothird and fourth side edges; a third curved edge tapering from the thirdside edge in a curve to meet at a second point opposite the front fifthedge; a fourth curved edge tapering from the fourth side edges in acurve to meet at the second point opposite the front fifth edge;wherein, when the opposing third and fourth side edges are connectedtogether, the second toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around atoe of the foot other than the big toe; a third foot pad element shapedas a foot pad and of a material protecting a ball of the foot when wornand comprising: opposing sixth and seventh side edges; a eighth rearedge; a front ninth edge defining an oblique curve such that ends of thefront ninth edge develop and merge into the sixth and seventh sideedges, respectively, at opposite sides of the third foot pad element atan oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at a respective side of theeighth rear edge; and the second curved edge is joined to the third footpad element at the sixth side edge and the fourth curved edge is joinedto the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge to form aprotective toe sock.